Rare earth/g-C3N4-based composite photocatalytic materials: A critical review

Characterization of interfacial properties between fibre and polymer matrix in composite materials – A critical review

Silver-based photocatalytic semiconducting materials have drawn the attention of reseachers for their high visible photocatalytic activity. However, the silver-based photocatalytic semiconducting material exhibits light corrosion during the photocatalytic reaction, and the photocatalytic stability is poor. Therefore, improvingthe photocatalytic stability and inhibition of light corrosion of silver-based photocatalytic semiconductor materials have been the focus of attention. In this paper, according to the principle of photocatalysis and the principle of photo-corrosion, it is proposed to improve the photogenerated electrons and hole separation of photocatalytic semiconductor materials, to rapidly transfer photogenerated electrons, to inhibit photogenerated electrons and Ag + to prevent light corrosion, Stability of the catalyst. Ag2CO3 / GO composite photocatalytic materials were synthesized by precipitation method using polystyrene as photocatalyst. The characterization and photocatalytic performance tests showed that the graphene has a good auxiliary effect, which can promote the separation of photogenerated electrons and holes of Ag2CO3 and transfer the photogenerated electrons into O2 in H2O in time, thus suppressing the light of Ag2CO3 / GO photocatalytic materials Corrosion phenomenon, improve the photocatalytic performance. Ag2CO3 / GO-1.0 has the best catalytic activity for the catalytic activity and stability of Ag2CO3 / GO in the photocatalytic decomposition of methyl orange. Therefore, graphene as a photocatalytic auxiliaries can effectively improve the photocatalytic stability of silver-based photocatalytic materials and have some reference significance for improving the stability of other photocatalytic materials which are prone to light corrosion.

A critical review on nanotube and nanotube/nanoclay related polymer composite materials

Growing environmental issues associated with conventional plastic packaging have spurred further research into sustainable biomass‐derived alternatives, particularly underutilized Marine wastes. Highlights show the potential of Marine waste for renewable, high‐performance eco‐friendly food packaging materials. This is the first critical review on the use of marine isolate as feedstock in the production of biodegradable plastics. The review includes a detailed analysis of characterization in terms of physicochemical properties related to a high lignocellulosic nature and its importance as raw materials utilized among various biomass conversion technologies such as thermochemical, biochemical, and hybrid approaches. This review emphasizes the relevance of environmental Marine waste, its transition to biodegradable plastics, composite materials, and edible films boosted by catalytic pyrolysis together with enzymatic hydrolysis or microbial fermentation, causing improvement in their mechanical properties (strength), thermal stability, and ability as a barrier. In a different sense, the review further discusses the employment of nanotechnology together with green chemistry to fine‐tune these conversion processes and functionalities in biopolymeric‐based packaging materials. It critically reviews challenges related to process efficiency, economic viability, and regulatory compliance along with recent technological advancements in the field of biorefinery, as well as future directions for Research and Development. Thus, the review highlights that in addition to Marine waste valorisation, a broader circular bioeconomy approach could significantly support the reduction of environmental impacts through bio‐based and sustainable packaging solutions.

Recent studies have shown that the composite of semiconductor photocatalytic materials and g-C3N4 can effectively inhibit photocatalytic carrier recombination and enhance the adsorption performance of the composite photocatalytic materials, so that the composite photocatalyst has stronger photocatalytic activity. In this paper, three kinds of graphitic carbon nitride photocatalyst g-C3N4 with different morphologies were prepared using the same precursor system by the chemical cracking method. After characterization and application, the sample with the most significant photocatalytic activity was selected and the g-C3N4/BiVO4 heterostructure was synthesized by the simple solvent evaporation method, then the photocatalytic experiment was carried out. The results show that, when the content of BiVO4 in the composite sample is 1%, the photocatalytic activity of RhB was the highest, and the degradation rate could reach 90.4%. The kinetic results showed that the degradation of RhB was consistent with the quasi-primary degradation kinetic model. The results of the photocatalytic cycle experiment show that the photocatalytic performance remains unchanged and stable after four photocatalytic cycles. The existence of a g-C3N4/BiVO4 binary heterojunction was confirmed by UV/Visible diffuse reflection (UV-DRS) and photoluminescence (PL) experiments. Owing to the Z-type charge process between BiVO4 and g-C3N4, efficient carrier separation was achieved, thus enhancing the photocatalytic capacity. This work provides a new idea for the study of heterojunction photocatalytic materials based on g-C3N4.

With the development of platforms such as floating nuclear power plants, small modular reactors, and deep space detectors, the requirements for lightweight, high‐temperature resistance, and other properties of neutron shielding materials are increasingly growing. Polymer‐based composites have become a research hotspot in the field of lightweight neutron shielding materials due to their excellent shielding performance and light weight. This article first expounds the interaction mechanism between neutrons and matter, followed by an introduction to commonly used material performance evaluation methods such as simulation calculations and etc. Subsequently, it systematically reviews the research status of neutron shielding polymer‐based composite materials from the perspectives of polymer matrices and functional fillers, revealing the current deficiencies of these materials in terms of high‐temperature resistance, mechanical properties, and secondary γ‐ray. Finally, performance optimization strategies for neutron‐shielding polymer‐based composites are summarized from perspectives of component design, structural optimization, and process improvement, along with prospects for future development directions. This provides a reference for the design and engineering application of lightweight shielding materials.

Carbon fibers are state-of-the-art materials with properties that include being light weight, high strength, and chemically stable, and are applied in various fields including aeronautical science and space science. Investigation of applications of carbon fibers to biomaterials was started 30 or more years ago, and various products have been developed. Because the latest technological progress has realized nano-level control of carbon fibers, applications to biomaterials have also progressed to the age of nano-size. Carbon fibers with diameters in the nano-scale (carbon nanofibers) dramatically improve the functions of conventional biomaterials and make the development of new composite materials possible. Carbon nanofibers also open possibilities for new applications in regenerative medicine and cancer treatment. The first three-dimensional constructions with carbon nanofibers have been realized, and it has been found that the materials could be used as excellent scaffolding for bone tissue regeneration. In this critical review, we summarize the history of carbon fiber application to the biomaterials and describe future perspectives in the new age of nano-level control of carbon fibers (122 references).

Soft and hard sections from cellulose-reinforced poly(lactic acid)-based food packaging films: A critical review

Material characteristics and machinability of metal matrix composite materials: A critical review on recent advances and future perspectives

The expansion of environment-friendly materials based on natural sources increases dramatically in terms of biodegradable, recyclable, and environmental disputes throughout the world. Plant-based natural fiber, a high potential field of the reinforced polymer composite material, is considered as lightweight and economical products as they possess lower density, significant material characteristics, and extraordinary molding flexibility. The usage of plant fibers on the core structure of composite materials have drawn significant interest by the manufacturers to meet the increasing demand of the consumers for sustainable features with enhanced mechanical performances and functionalities. The plant fiber-based composites have widespread usage in construction, automotive, packaging, sports, biomedical, and defense sectors for their superior characteristics. Therefore, this critical review would demonstrate an overview regarding the background of natural fiber composites, factors influencing the composite properties, chemical interaction between the fiber and matrices, future potentiality, and marketing perspectives for triggering new research works in the field of biocomposite materials.

Fiber-reinforced composite material plays a vital role in structural engineering due to its lightweight and high strength ratio which becomes a key material in a mechanically fastened pin joint. Recent review articles in this area were restricted to the numerical and experimental approaches which are used for strength prediction of pin joints in polymer matrix composites. The present study begins with an extensive analysis of relevant studies in the provided structurally clamped joint region using numerous numerical approaches and theories of failure. Numerous experimental and numerical approaches are available nowadays and have been cited by the researchers in their respective research to foretell the damage initiation and failure mode in the composite joint. The study gives the review of different numerical analyses of composite joints by utilizing interactive criteria for failure analysis, viz. Tsai-Wu, Tsai-Hill, Yamada Sun’s theory predicts failure using higher-order polynomial equations that comprise all stress or strain components, whereas limit stress criteria i.e. Maximum stress criterion which uses linear equations for finding the solution. Progressive Damage Analysis (PDA) quantifies matrix and fiber failure using the material depletion rule preceded by Hashin’s theory which offers a good interpretation irrespective of the types of composite material. In the end, various parameters are discussed which enhance joint performance under different loading conditions.

The article presents the results of the determination pf the properties of the photocatalytic composite material (PCM) of the “TiO2 – SiO2” system synthesized by the sol-gel method. The characteristics of siliciferous raw material - diatomite and silica clay, as substrates in the composition of PCM - mineral composition, microstructural features, composition and concentration of active centers on its surface are determined. The dependences of the elemental composition of the surface, the features of the microstructure and photocatalytic activity of PCM on the properties of siliciferous raw material are found. The research shows that the use of diatomite makes it possible to obtain PCM with better characteristics, which is caused by a higher content of the amorphous phase, a more developed and chemically active surface of the particles.

Herein, a boron nitride‐dye composite photocatalytic material is synthesized by a simple and environmentally friendly method. In this method, boron nitride (BN) is added to Methylene blue (MB), Congo red (CR), Rhodamine B (RhB), methyl orange (MO) solution respectively, the formed composites (BN‐RhB, BN‐MB, BN‐MO and BN‐CR) can further work as photocatalyst to degrade tetracycline (TC) under visible light irradiation. The degradation rate of TC are 278.5, 303.3, 89 and 115.5 times by BN‐RhB, BN‐MB, BN‐MO and BN‐CR higher than that of BN. This is from the sensitization of dyes for BN and these dyes have different absorption ranges for visible light. After the adsorption of BN for RhB‐MO, RhB‐CR, MB‐MO and MB‐CR mixed solutions, BN‐RhB‐MO, BN‐RhB‐CR, BN‐MB‐MO and BN‐MB‐CR composites are formed. Compared with BN, their photodegradation rate for TC are improved by about 102.75, 118, 388 and 460.75 times, respectively. The photodegradation rate of BN‐MB‐CR (k=0.01843) is better than that of BN‐MB (k=0.01213), being from that binary dyes are more conducive to improve the electron transfer efficiency than single dyes. The involved photo‐active species during photodegradation process and the photodegradation intermediate products of TC have detected as well. The photodegradation rate (k=0.01213) of BN‐MB for TC is also higher than that of g‐C 3 N 4 (k=0.00599), g‐C 3 N 4 ‐MB (k=0.01027), TiO 2 (k=0.01061) and TiO 2 ‐MB (k=0.01163). This work is helpful to develop an environment‐friendly water treatment material.

An overview of the effect of stirrer design on the mechanical properties of Aluminium Alloy Matrix Composites fabricated by stir casting

A critical review on microplastics, interaction with organic and inorganic pollutants, impacts and effectiveness of advanced oxidation processes applied for their removal from aqueous matrices